Since opening her salon The Hair Company Ely on June 30, Hannah Green has certainly been busy. The salon is sited in Ben’s Yard, a rural and picturesque retail village, described as a go-to destination for browsing, buying and relaxation which opened earlier this year. Respect recently caught up with her to discover what the salon-opening project was like and find out more about her vision for the future. If you’re a salon-owner, or interested in becoming one, read on as we discuss the busy but wonderful chaos of opening!
Respect: It’s a big decision to open your own salon, how did it come about?
Hannah: I’ve been in the hairdressing industry 11 years now, and my partner Rory also has a strong industry-background. Between us we’ve got a wealth of experience, knowledge, and skill. We’d been thinking about opening a salon for some time, however on looking at locations something wasn’t quite right. We weren’t keen on a High Street shop, we wanted to create a special experience for our customers and the location is key. An advert for Ben’s Yard immediately caught our attention as it felt like a good match for us.
Respect: Ben’s Yard looks beautiful, tell us more…
Hannah: Ben’s Yard is designed by the same architect who built Bicester Village [a retail outlet in Oxfordshire], and created with customer experience in mind. It’s a lovely place to relax and spend time. There are 14 other specialist shops including a café and restaurant. Plus we have free, safe, stress-free parking so there are lots of reasons to visit regularly. Although Ben’s Yard is a new development it’s already delivering us walk-in footfall. Customer experience is paramount for The Hair Company Ely, so we were impressed with how Ben’s Yard plans special events such as outdoor cinema screenings, summer beach, funfair and Christmas shopping. There’s something for everybody.
Respect: How did the salon-opening project go?
Hannah: It went very well. A bit stressful at some points, as you can imagine. The worst point was when we were waiting to move in…we knew we had loads to do but couldn’t put our plan into action as the salon wasn’t ready. There was the calm before the storm, then it was all systems go!
Respect: What’s your vision for The Hair Company Ely?
Hannah: We see the business growing along with the size of our team. Our vision is to be the best salon in Ely and in Cambridgeshire.
Respect: There are many salons around, what do you and your team bring that set The Hair Company Ely apart from others?
Hannah: We’re all about a luxury customer experience and great hairdressing. From the moment you step into the salon, throughout your service, extending to home-haircare advice and products. Fashion-forward in our approach and training, we’re creating a London vibe in Cambridgeshire. There aren’t any other salons locally doing the same.
Respect: You’re already getting fabulous five-star reviews, what are customers saying?
Hannah: We’ve had amazing reviews! Plus, our front-of-house has been following up with each client, making sure they are delighted with their hair and experience in the salon. Bearing in mind we set out to create a luxury hairdressing experience, we’re over the moon with the five-star reviews. This along with feedback on how friendly the team are, how well looked after and cared for clients felt, how they’ve appreciated the advice given, and of course how much they love their hair. We are so grateful to our customers for taking the time to share feedback.
Respect: Considering your emphasis on great hairdressing and luxury service, you’ve chosen product partnerships carefully. Why did you decide to stock Unite products?
Hannah: Our fashion-forward thinking led us to Unite as they are a like-minded brand connected to fashion. The products are amazing, we’re getting on with them so well, and the range covers any hair-type. The team is unanimous that the 7 Seconds System is our absolute favourite. We’ve sold lots of the shampoo, conditioner, masque and detangler, along with the Blowout Cream which must be our bestseller, we all love to use it.
Respect: You’ve just had a visit from Andrew Dale, Unite Hair founder and CEO based in the US. How did it go?
Hannah: It was great. So nice of Dale to take the time to visit us. It was special to hear about Unite products from the man himself. He gave us lots of expert advice which we’re happy to implement
Respect: Having successfully navigated the Hair Company Ely launch, what advice would you give to other new business owners?
Hannah: Your team is so important. Create the right team who will support you through the initial days, weeks and months of opening, and you’ll fly. We’ve built an amazing team; I can’t speak highly enough of them, and they’ve helped from day one. Also, be willing to listen to advice and feedback, have flexibility to adapt your ideas and plans as there might be something you can do to make them even better.
